Kidneys are located under the rib cage in your lower back. Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs, are basically trash collectors and are responsible for taking out waste from your body. Kidneys also release three important hormones: erythropoietin, renin and calcitriol. These hormones are extremely important to your overall health. These hormones circulate in the bloodstream and regulate various bodily functions like blood pressure, the production of red blood cells and the uptake of calcium from the intestine. They also produce an active form of vitamin D.
A well-rounded diet and adequate water intake are usually enough to keep your kidneys healthy. Kidney cleanses are also purported to help keep blood pressure in check, improve the functioning of the urinary tract and bladder, boost immunity, and clear toxins from the entire body. If you feel some kidney trouble, you may need some help in cleansing your kidneys.
Some symptoms of kidney trouble are: feeling pain in your kidneys after eating, feeling fatigued, eczema of the skin, feeling moody, shortness of breath or urinary tract infections. Most people can keep their kidneys healthy by staying hydrated and eating a balanced, healthful diet. The kidneys play a key role in the detoxification of the body, and here’s how you can ensure they stay healthy and clean.
Some herbs and foods that are popular in kidney cleansing are:
1. Ginger
Ginger has been used as a remedy for thousands of years. The herb is also an effective medicine for kidney diseases. Gingerols (an active compound) in ginger is an antibacterial agent that restrains the range of bacteria within the kidneys. Gingerol is also an effective means of support for healthy digestion and it reduces inflammation and pain all over the body. Ginger provides many benefits to your body, including helping to clean toxins from your body, cleanse your liver and help with your digestion. You can drink ginger tea to help cleanse the kidneys. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger in 2 cups of water. Let it boil and then simmer for 10 minutes before straining. Then add lemon juice and honey, as per your taste. Drink this tea 2- 3 times daily. Using raw ginger in your cooking helps your kidneys stay in good health.
2. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, inhibits the growth and spread of microbes and in turn, can help keep the kidneys healthy. Turmeric has significant anti-inflammatory properties and prevent kidneys from infections. Turmeric can help clean out kidneys, detoxify your liver and purify your blood. Mix 1 teaspoon of raw turmeric juice, the juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a little honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture once daily for few weeks to cleanse the kidneys.
3. Parsley
Parsley is an aromatic, flavorful herb commonly used in herbal medicine. It actually helps to reduce the build-up of toxins in your kidneys. Parsley contains compounds called Apiol and Myristicin, which are natural diuretics. You can also take parsley to help with urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Drink few cups of parsley tea for a week to cleanse your kidneys. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed fresh parsley to a cup of boiling water. Cover and leave it for 5 minutes before straining it.
Note: If you are pregnant, don’t consume a large amount of parsley.
4. Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a diuretic that can help cleanse both your kidneys and your liver. It has been used to treat jaundice, acne, and anemia as well as kidney and liver disorders. Dandelion root removes any excess water from your body and also great for preventing irritation in the urinary tract. To consume dandelion root, most people make a tea with the crushed roots. Simmer them gently in water for 15 minutes or so, then strain and drink. You can also eat dandelion leaves raw or cooked. It is important to consult with your doctor prior using it, as dandelion root may interact with certain medications.
5. Celery
Celery is another ingredient that is a natural diuretic. It helps to remove harmful toxins and chemicals from your body. Studies have shown that regular consumption of celery can help protect kidney health and prevent kidney disease. Celery is high in vitamin C, B, A and iron. It can fight bacterial infections, improve the immune system and inhibit bacterial growth. Consuming celery on a regular basis can help your body to prevent kidney stones and kidney infections. Simply drink one glass of celery juice every day for few weeks.
6. Corn Silk
Corn silk is used as a herbal remedy for variety of illnesses. Corn silk is used for bladder infections, inflammation of the urinary system, inflammation of the prostate, kidney stones, and bedwetting. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, fatigue, and high cholesterol levels. It helps your body to produce more urine, which in turn causes your body to get rid of waste and toxins. Add 2 teaspoons of dried corn silk in a cup. Pour boiling water over it, cover and leave it for 15 minutes before straining. Drink this tea 2- 3 times a day for maximum benefit. Drink plenty of fluids when you use corn silk for cleansing your kidneys.
Note: Consult with your doctor prior using it as corn silk can interact with certain medications.
7. Marshmallow
As a soothing herb, marshmallow root may calm the tissues of the urinary tract. It’s also a gentle diuretic that help the body to flush out excess fluid. This helps to cleanse the kidneys and the bladder. Add 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow roots and leaves in a cup of hot water. Cover and leave it for 10 minutes before straining. Drink 2 cups of this tea daily for one week in order to cleanse the kidneys.
Note: Do not use marshmallow root if you are pregnant, nursing or have diabetes.
General Tips:
- Maintain healthy weight and blood pressure
- Keep your cholesterol in check
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine
- Watch your sodium intake
- Drink plenty of water/fluids.
Try these recipes and let us know if you receive relief or not by visiting our comment section.